electraheart 's review for:

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

4.0

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One of the biggest things I liked about Rebel Angels is that it's very obviously set in the 19th century, which was something I barely grasped in the first book. Maybe it's because rather than focus strictly on school, Gemma is in London being courted and going to balls. It definitely has a very historic feel to it, which I love. The only problem is that is also have a paranormal feel as well. Normally I would love that both genres come together in one book, but in this book it becomes a bit of a problem. The writing doesn't stick to weaving both genres into one story; rather, the story will hold historical fiction for a few chapters, and suddenly it will become paranormal for a chapter or two. There's always a really defined line between the two genres. Honestly, I would have read this book if it was just a YA historical novel about a girl in London during her Christmas break from boarding school. Because the writing is great. It's very easy to read, quick-paced, etc. Sure, the book is a little unnecessary in length, but that wasn't enough to take away from the story as a whole. I am a little nervous about finishing the series for the sake of an 800-page book, though.